We Got Ready for the Tony Awards with Broadway's Next Big Star

When eleven-year-old Tony nominee Sydney Lucas asked for Teen Vogue and myself to help her find the ultimate Tony dress, I was more than up for the challenge. Yet, I had never styled someone so young and petite and underestimated that most dresses were either too childish or too mature. Because Sydney steals the show six days a week in Fun Home, the hottest musical of the year, and gives such a multilayered, bittersweet and wise-beyond-her years performance (she has the same acting chops that put the Fanning sisters on the map) it was important that we honored her performance and talent with the perfect look. I enlisted the help of my charming friend and pretty dress expert Erin Fetherston to get Sydney dressed up for her evening as a Tony nominee. Click through the slideshow to see what it's like to be a promising young star getting ready for Broadway's biggest night.

It's in the Bag

The Perfect Fit

"I wanted to create a classic look for Sydney that would withstand the test of time," Erin said of her design. "I love this tea-length Audrey Hepburn-inspired silhouette. It's elegant and relad, and Sydney was especially happy about the skirt having pockets."

Big Hug!

Sydney and Erin share a moment before she leaves the designer's studio. "I am so excited about wearing my dress!" she says. "This is the first time a designer has ever created a dress for me and it's really awesome."

Getting Ready

I met up with Sydney the afternoon of the Tonys at the Chatwal Hotel. We nonchalantly watched skateboarding on TV, played word games, and ate gummy bears as she got glammed up. "I'm so excited about everything," she says. "I've never been to the Tonys before, I've only watched it on television. I hope I can remember it all and take it all in."

Lip Service

The Big Reveal

Sydney debuts the full look—hair, makeup, and that perfect dress. "I fell in love with the fabric the minute I saw it," she said. "I had envisioned a gold or blue dress, but when I saw the gold fabric from Erin's collection, I knew it would be perfect. I can't wait to walk the carpet in it."

Finishing Touches

I helped Sydney out with some last minute adjustments to the skirt of the dress—she looks so great! You would never guess that in a few short hours this emerging pint-sized talent would be giving the night's best performance (hands down) on stage at Radio City Music Hall on national television.

Stepping Out

Before leaving for the show, Sydney talks about her role in Fun Home, which won a whopping five Tony Awards last night. "I've learned a lot about people, what's important and what I feel is right," she says. "I'm glad to be a part of this musical because it is unique and a new type of musical. I especially appreciate hearing how people are touched by the show's message—I'm honored to bring Alison Bechdel's story to audiences every day, and feel this musical is changing lives."

A Moment of Pause

"Every show is different, like the audiences," Sydney says. "Acting is about listening and reacting, so each show is naturally a little different...I get nervous before I go on, but it goes away the minute I step onto the stage. It's like I get immediately into a zone."